Spiral

L.A. Storm #4

by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey

When the worlds of academia and sports collide, a doctor of math and a dyslexic hockey star find that love has its own perfect equation.

Craig learned to skate as soon as he could walk, moving from figure skating to excelling in hockey and succeeding in both despite the challenges of his dyslexia. Visual aids, practical, hands-on learning, and the support of friends not only helped him in school but also honed his skills on the ice, making him a versatile and intuitive player. When he meets Jamie at a team party, Craig is instantly captivated by the handsome professor. Despite the lasting effects of a former abusive relationship that’s still haunting him, they end up in bed. Craig’s insecurities drive him away—after all, what can a professor possibly see in someone like him? His past relationship makes trusting Jamie hard. Thankfully, Jamie is not only persistent but also understanding, and despite his worries, Craig can’t help but say yes. Falling for Jamie is as easy as slipping on fresh ice.

After his ex from hell stole his research and made him the academic community's laughingstock, Dr. Jameson “Jamie” Hennessy decided to reset his life and moved across the country to live with his best friend. With everything he worked so hard for now gone, Jamie needs funding to stay on the West Coast, and for that, he needs a new approach to his research. After one too many drinks at a team party, things heat up with a sexy hockey player he can’t take his eyes off, but after the most incredible sex of his life, Craig leaves him alone in a cold bed the morning after. When Jamie’s admiration for Craig and his obsession with mathematics collide, a new hypothesis about movement in sports is born. Could Craig be the answer he wasn’t even looking for?

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Hockey, Sports, LGBT, Sports Romance, Queer

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2024

About the author

RJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk

Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release

Reviews

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

The two characters at the heart of the story are the sweetest pairing so far in this series and their romance is a lovely one, with a perfect combination of heat and feelings.

It's relatively low angst, although there is a secondary thread about an abusive ex turned stalker that some readers could be affected by, so do heed the mention in the Blurb, (there's no specific trigger warning as such).

We've met both Jamie and Craig in Shield as Jamie is Oli's best friend and he landed in LA having just had all his research work stolen by his crappy ex-boyfriend. Craig is a teammate of Oli's and it's his ex who's the abusive stalker in the background.

Craig's dyslexic and has some residual - and understandable - insecurities about not only how people treated him growing up but also because his ex used to make him feel stupid, so he's very wary of Jamie while being incredibly attracted to him.

This tentative behaviour leads to an amusing misunderstanding and then, a drunken and explosively hot encounter between the pair as the book opens.

We then get a really delightful slow burn friendship into relationship that might end up with some elements of instalove once they've been dating a while but which still feels like it's a genuine feeling of connection between the two men.

Oli and Jackson are also very heavily present in this one, along with Oli's daughters, and I actually appreciated that a lot, it feels like this is very much an extended family into which Craig is welcomed.

Like the rest of this series though, this one again feels abruptly ended once they've got together, which has been my biggest issue throughout the LA Storm books. That's my only one though because otherwise this series has been a hit.

It's looked at some serious subjects without ever dragging them into overly angsty territory and the relationships have all been quite different and equally satisfying. I'm not sure if there's more to come yet with the Storm, but there's a really lovely freebie linked at the end of this one which is definitely worth grabbing!

Book two is still my favourite so far but I have enjoyed each one so far.

#ARC kindly received from the authors, I am voluntarily leaving a review

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was honestly so good. It keeps up the same vibe as the last book of being serious without feeling heavy, which I really appreciate right now. Jamie and Craig both have their own ex issues, which makes seeing them heal from them quite a rich experience. Plus seeing Oli and Jackson be a couple and parents in the background was a treat

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars ⭐️

This was a great book in a great series!! I was so looking forward to Jamie’s book, he deserved happiness after his ex was such a wanker!!!! Jamie is so smart but so loving and giving. Meeting Craig, NHL hockey player, was not what he expected, he didn’t expect to want someone so much. Craig dealing with his own wanker of an ex didn’t want a smart guy making fun of him and belittling him like that again!

But the magic, the pull, the attraction was there and neither could get over it. Trust and respect was hard but together they took their time, getting to know each other and love bloomed!

This book was everything I expected, a little drama with the exes but love always wins, you just have to have the right people in your corner! The future looks bright!!

This whole series is a must read, you have it all, hockey, love, crappy exes, heartache and hearts put back together. These ladies write some of the best books on the shelf!

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved reading this series from the start and Spiral is no exception. It's a fairly low angst romance, except for the memories/discussion of Craig's ex and the bullying/gaslighting that went on in their relationship.
Fans of the series will know Jamie as Oli's best friend from Shield, book #3, and now he gets his chance at his own HEA. Both he and Craig, a top player for LA Storm, have had recent bad history with relationships and how their exes treated them. What they have to do is learn to trust themselves and each other when it comes to moving forward and allowing themselves to be happy.
Craig is used to fighting to get anywhere after battling for support regarding his dyslexia but he got through college and graduated in Special Education alongside playing hockey. Now it's fighting memories and learning that not all intellectual people are the same, Jamie is not Leon and, being British, is more likely to blame himself than anyone else.
It's a heartwarming romance between the two men, with Oli's friendship also showing its importance for both men. I was expecting slightly more to come from what happens with Craig's ex but that's just more drama for me to enjoy! Definitely another recommended read from RJ and VL.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[LeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all great books, they start off sprinting out of the gate.
I was barely into this book when I read my new favorite nickname for a rotten person who I instantly despise and want to see gone from the life of one of the main characters.
Now onto the adorably hot, smart and talented MC's. Craig is a phenomenal hockey player, supportive of dyslexic people like himself, getting the help and support they need and shelters for animals who need and deserve the best in life.
Jamie is a Brit who is an amazing friend, nanny when needed, scientist dealing with maths and will punch a punk if needed to defend his boyfriend against his nasty ex. Sadly, before these two met, their taste in men was sorely dismal. Lucky for them and us, they found each other and we got a wonderful love story.
The boys go through a few rough times with their ex's, however they are VERY satisfactorily taken care of.
Throughout this I chuckled, outright laughed, got mad, wore an evil grin... I'm sure , mumbled 'Dang..well alrighty then!"
Another wonderful aspect is that we get to visit with the MC's from the previous books in this series!
In another words I thoroughly enjoyed the heck out of this book!
I highly recommend this.

**Just a little tease...there is a link, at the end of this book, to get a FREE little something something with Oli and Jackson!!! Trust me, you'll want to read it!

[Hellsbells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to this light but warm hearted series. Jamie and Craig both have their individual issues but overcome them to create a wonderful relationship. They are both so lovely as characters that they pull you into their story effortlessly and before you know it the book is done.

This is a low angst book with all the emotional feels I've come to expect from RJ's books, with humour, kindness and sweetness mixed in to make a lovely easy read that warms your heart.

The addition of previous books characters.is always an addition win for me.

Loved this addition to the series.

[GlamLawyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Around 3.5. that was my favourite pairing in that series. I could have enjoyed it more without the over evil ex, but it was still a good story.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie and Craig. These two make quite the pair. Both have trust issues due to horrible exes, but they both fit too well together to just ignore. I loved watching these two so much. I love a good hockey romance but this story is more than that. It’s two guys realizing just how good they are together and healing each other’s hearts. It is easy to read and o so satisfying at the end.

[Edga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both Jamie and Craig are so likeable, that you can't help but be drawn to them. Although totally different circumstances, both have experienced heartbreak and betrayal, and you want nothing but the best for them, for them both to heal and experience love again.

The story started, literally, with a bang (😉), and eventually turned into the perfect love story ❤️ It had the perfect mix of humour , emotion, tenderness, and sweetness; and I was hooked throughout.

And with such great secondary characters, including Oli, his girls and Jackson (from the previous book in the series), I really can't wait for what comes next. There is a bonus story at the end about the whole group that must be read. It's the perfect conclusion to Craig, Jamie, Oli and Jackson 's story 😍

TW: Be aware that there is mention of emotional abuse regarding one of the MCs.

[Heather York · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start off by saying how much I love the fact that so many of the amazing characters created by Scott & Locey for their ongoing hockey universe have flaws(I don't really like that word but can't think of a better one to encompass so many hurdles they find before them). Some are physical, others are emotional, but none of them are just thrown in for dramatic content. It just really makes them all so much more real, makes the reader feel as if they could run into them on the street, picking up toilet paper at the grocery store, or filling their car up and grabbing a gallon of milk at the gas station. Some might have an ego due to their talents on the ice but they don't look down at the non-athletes they come in contact with so thank you, ladies for creating athletes we wish we saw all the time.

Okay, so on to Spiral.

When we met Jamie in Shield, it was pretty clear he deserved to have his story told and we were not disappointed. His professional reputation has been tested due to his former boyfriend stealing his research so he moved across the country to stay his with his best friend Oliver and return to helping him with his girls. (Side note: we discovered Oliver's story in Shield so I highly recommend reading that entry before Spiral to fully understand the chemistry between not only Jamie and Oli but also Oli's boyfriend Jackson) Oli and Jackson are having a party for the Storm during which Jamie meets Craig, despite mutual attraction it takes a few too many drinks for a bedroom connection to occur. With everything surrounding Jamie's professional life in the fire his attitude is uplifting, no doubt Oli, the girls, and Jackson(though Jamie would hate to admit it😉) play a huge role in keeping the man sane.

Let's talk Craig. Many of us(perhaps I'm dating myself here and really it isn't so many of us but I'll say it is😉) have seen the 90s rom-com The Cutting Edge where the hockey player transitioned to figure skating after an eye injury and here we have Craig going the opposite route, skating to hockey. Personally I think it would be harder to go from skating to hockey, to put it bluntly: to go from delicate moves to hard hitting but maybe I'm wrong. Either way I think it brings a special extra something to his style, on and off the ice. Throw in his dyslexia and you have a man who has fought to get where he is and that isn't even taking into account his former abusive relationship. Add it all up and Craig is a fighter and though he may not always see it, he's a winner.(BTW: I am not comparing Spiral to Cutting Edge in anything other than the change of sport for the athlete)

Put the two gentleman together and you not only have an adorable couple but you have two men who have fought uphill to be where they are and their chemistry is off the charts but will it be enough to keep them together? Well, you know the answer to that: you have to read for yourself but as we all know that Scott & Locey are all about the HEA so I think you guess where they end up but the enjoyment, the meat and potatoes, the reader's adrenaline rush is riding along with the duo as they get from point A to point Z. You won't be disappointed.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘭 is the fourth installment in the 𝘓.𝘈. 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮 series by RJ Scott and VL Locey. If you’re like me, you know you will always find excellent hockey romances from these two, and this definitely did not disappoint. With wonderful characters and a sweet and steamy storyline, Spiral really hit the spot.

Dr. Jameson “Jamie” Hennessy is serious about his maths. That’s with an s, because it’s short for mathematics, according to our Jamie. He’s a real hoot, and I love his British ways and when he lets his “Brit flow[s] free.” There are so many Britishisms and comments about when he’s got his “Brit up,” that along with that brain power, I could completely picture Jamie in all his many facets.

Craig was a different character altogether, and like many times seen by these authors, his character faced some challenging times throughout his life. Craig has dyslexia, and a pretty serious case, from the way it was described. It made school tough, but like any good hockey player, he found ways to reach his goals by learning different techniques to meet life’s challenges. I appreciated the effort put into this part of the story a lot and thought they did a fantastic job.

Both our MCs have had some bad luck with their love lives, and unfortunately, it didn’t end when they said goodbye to their exes. Jamie’s ex was a fellow researcher, but Craig’s ex was a high-end lawyer to the rich and famous. Jamie’s ex was a lowlife who did him wrong in a really bad way, but Craig’s ex is another story altogether. Although Jamie has a defense held in check if the time comes, Craig may need some help when things go from bad to worse with his past.

I really enjoyed this story from start to finish. The storyline was fresh and kept me engaged. I absolutely fell in love with both MCs and of course, Jamie being the unofficial uncle to Oli’s girls, we see them and Jackson here, too (from 𝘚𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥, book 3). There’s some exciting news in their little family, so you really don’t want to miss this one if you’re a fan of the series. Plus, it’s your chance for a special novella to follow up on that news! I didn’t even tear up until the epilogue for a change. I hope you enjoy it.

Happy reading!

~𝓘 𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓪𝓷 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓪𝓶 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀.~

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.

Jamie Hennesey is a maths professor whose research was stolen by his ex-boyfriend who removed Jamie’s name from the project. He is living with Olli and Jackson (from the previous novel) and caring for Olli’s two daughters. He has prepared a bunch of “afternoon tea” goodies for Olli’s team party. He has long admired Craig, one of the teammates. Somehow, he becomes convinced that Craig hates him so he ends up getting drunk and propositioning Craig. Jamie decides that his new project involves seeing if the Fibonacci Spiral applies to sports. Craif leaves during the night and we see both of them deciding that they aren’t worthy of the other. In Craig’s case, he has had a really bad experience with his ex who kept demeaning him, particularly easy since Craig is dyslexic. Of course, as mentioned, Jamie had a bad experience with his ex as well. With the help of his best friend Olli, he ends up dating Craig and taking the relationship slowly. Both have problems with exes, though Craig’s are far worse. They overcome all these in order to arrive at their HEA.

The plot in this book is kind of straightforward but has a couple of detours involving both their exes, with Craig’s taking up a fair bit of space in the story. The two MCs are a tad shy when it comes to dealing with each other but that makes sense given their previous experiences with exes. I can totally sympathize with characters whose first conclusion is that “I’ve done something wrong” and blame themselves. And of course, like in most other MM romances, both have beautiful butts. They have the odd miscommunication which is to be expected given that one of them is a Doctor of Mathematics, and this can be a problem early in the relationship. The secondary characters are mostly ones that we’ve met before, except for the two exes who are suitably nasty. These others are quite limited to a few people who make vital contributions to story development in the form of advice that helps the couple move along the right path.

The book is delightful and I’m happy to recommend it.

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPIRAL is the fourth installment in the L.A. Storm series. It can be read as a standalone but it reads so much better if you read in the order that the authors intended.

Craig is a former ice skater turned hockey player. He's amazing on the ice but he works hard to be there. Craig is dyslexic and needs more time to learn plays, uses voice to text, visual aids and the help of his friends to be the best at what he does. Craig has zero self confidence after his ex used to put him down and use his disability against him. He finds academic men so attractive but he promised himself he would never put himself in that position again. Unfortunately for him he has a drunken night he can't seem to stop thinking about with Jamie, a friend of a friend who happens to be incredible smart.

Jamie followed his best friend and his kids to LA when he was traded from NY after Jamie's ex stole his research and made him look foolish in the academic community. He was ready for a new start professionally and personally. Jamie has always found Craig attractive but after one too many drinks he gives into that attraction. Jamie has baggage from his ex and knows he shouldn't want Craig but he can't stop himself. When he is still working on his research he finds a way to get Craig involved and ultimate feels like a jerk when he finds out about him being dyslexic and didn't even think to make an assessable form. They slowly build a trust between them and a mutual respect for having wankers for exes.

I loved watching Jamie finally getting his HEA. They each had a ton of baggage but were able to slowly learn to trust each other. Their chemistry was instant but it was so much hotter when they were leaning how to trust each other with the darkest parts of their past.

I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the fourth book in the series, and I would recommend that you enjoy the whole run of books - and you will definitely enjoy getting Jamie's story after he is betrayed and his research stolen. He was so missed when his work took him to NY, so everyone is delighted he is back.

Craig is a super talented, but recently deeply hurt by an abusive relationship is concentrating on hockey, and excelling on the ice. An encounter with Jamie revives some of those feelings of passion and romance, but he can't really trust himself, nor think that he is worthy of the attention of such a bright man.

Jamie is also pulling himself back up after the betrayal of his research partner and boyfriend. He likes the way Craig makes him feel, and comes up with a new idea of how to use his research for a practical purpose - tracking movement on the ice - mostly Craig's movement on the ice.

I liked how the authors managed to combine hockey and academia in a really inventive and entertaining way. There are some fun twists and time with Oscar, Jackson and the girls - all of which combine to make a very enjoyable read.

[Mari Cardenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars  

This book starts with a bang, Jamie and Craig have been crushing on each other, but due to unfortunate experiences with their exes, they're wary about starting something with the other. Until Jamie takes a first step, which results in an unforgettable first encounter, after which Craig ghosts Jamie because he thinks Jamie might be just like his ex. Jamie decides to try again, enrolling Craig in a study he's doing, but it doesn't go as well as he hoped, until his friends point out that Craig is dyslexic. By then, Craig has realized that Jamie is a good guy and they start again. But the past has a way to come back.

I really liked Craig and Jamie, although they both (especially Craig) started with some misconceptions about the other, they gave each other time to get to know each other and I just adored them together even if they were complete opposites. 

Unfortunately for them, they both have nasty exes, which are thankfully dealt with in a great manner. Especially Craig's, since he's a stalker and actually threatens the poor puppy he gifted Craig with when they were together. He deserved everything bad coming to him. 

This was a seamless collaboration between RJ Scott and VL Locey, a great read with romance, light-angst, fantastic friends, and some suspense. Very recommendable!

* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series!

I have been enjoying this series so much. Spiral takes us on a journey from hot drunken sex in chapter three to slow-burn, getting to know you dates for the next several chapters. Jamie and Craig both have rotten ex-boyfriends in their past. Craig's really did a number on him by always tearing him down and belittling him. Jamie's ex stole research material and claimed it for his own.

For the most part I thought this was a fairly low angst story. When the stalking by Craig's ex heats up there are a few tense moments, though. I loved how much Jamie and Craig cared for each other. After a bit of a misunderstanding following their drunken sex episode, they realize how compatible they are and not just in the bedroom.

I loved that Jamie is British and we get to hear him use phrases and terms that reflect that. There's also gentle teasing between all of the characters in this story (Oli and Jackson from Shield) regarding some of the food that Jamie likes. 😊

There's a link to a free bonus story at the end of Spiral. It contains spoilers for Shield and Spiral so make sure you read those books first.

A copy of this book was provided to me at my request and my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

[Elizabeth D · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 I enjoyed the nerd/jock romance a lot. It was fun to see Jamie get his HEA after meeting him in the previous book. Jamie and Craig don’t have great communication at the beginning of the book, but it’s lovely to watch that change, to see them actually get to know one another and base a relationship off far more than simply attraction (though there’s plenty of that!)

It was nice to see someone with dyslexia flourish in an MC role, and I liked how it was a complete non-issue between Craig and Jamie (once they got past the initial misunderstanding). They both had bad previous boyfriends, and there was a learning curve on healthy relationships to get them to a good place, but they both worked at it. I enjoyed the silly touches like Craig’s major love of cheese puffs and Jamie’s ongoing efforts to educate Americans about scones and clotted cream.

I was glad to see everything get resolved at the end, and I liked the image that Craig and Jamie (and Oli and Jackson) had for the future.

I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.

[Dear Reader 0801 · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Jackson and Oliver’s book, I was looking forward to seeing Jamie get his story. He’s come back to LA to help Oliver with the girls after having a disastrous time in NY with his ex and former research partner. He absolutely needed a HEA!

And he totally gets that with Craig, another player on the LA Storm team who has faced his own bad relationships. His ex, Leon, was horrible and made him feel less about himself. So understandably he’s reluctant to dive back into a relationship with someone, let alone someone who’s well versed in academics. There is such an intense introduction to these two MCs but I loved seeing these two take a step back and have a slow approach to getting to know one another. Both characters need to take that time to think about things before jumping into another relationship.

But things aren’t smooth skating for these two as things come back to test both of these characters. Thankfully things get resolved and it was nice seeing both characters have resolution and a HEA!

[Elle Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craig (a dyslexic hockey player and former figure skater) and Jamie’s (a math professor) story is sweetly unexpected. [We met Jamie as a friend and nanny of Oliver in book 3]. Under ordinary circumstances, their paths would likely never have crossed. But Jamie lives with Oliver while he tries to rebuild his life from a toxic, thieving ex-. And Oliver and Craig (who has his own toxic ex-) both play on the Storm.

Cue a relationship that starts as a hot hookup and quickly morphs into so much more. With academic thievery and cyberstalking this book has a little bit of everything. Add in Oliver’s two girls for comedic relief and an adorable sounding dog named Bruno and all the demographics for a perfect story are met.

As usual, Scott and Locey deliver solidly on the hockey portions of their hockey romance, but the romance is king. The dates these two came up with for our main couple are amazing. A solid 5-star read that explores concepts of self-worth and resiliency.

[EQUUS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Jamie and Craig. Even when they come from a very different walks of life they have more in common than expected. It all starts with sizzling attraction but they are both burdened with their pasts so they need to take a step back and doing so they find the unexpected support in eachother and a solid foundation for much more.
You don't necessarily need to read previous books in this series but it's recommended, because some characters from previous books play important side roles in this one. I especially loved appearance of Jackson (Jax) from Shield, because I must admit he's my favorite character from this series.
Overall this is a page turner as usual when we're talking about this writer duo, with moderate amount of angst and lacing of humor. I just wish it was a bit longer and dug deeper in some aspects of the story.

[dan]

DNF 30%

This book might be fine if I didn’t have to pretend to take the mathematician seriously. I would be much happier if his “research” just happened off page, and his funding woes, and really everything about his career. But no, instead I get to roll my eyes so hard they might fall out. Ugh.

“I recall getting flustered, but the conversation had quickly spiraled into academia—with what I thought was a light, flirty discussion about Fibonacci sequences.”

No, that didn’t happen.

Neither did the sex writing.

“Don’t touch me unless you plan to take me into my room and ravage my arse.”

Ugh. I’m quitting now, because now we’re starting the research study, and it’s going to make me shout at my iPad. No one needs that.

[mmreads430 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this romance between Jamie, a mathematics professor (and part time nanny), and Craig, a dyslexic hockey player. Opposites attracting are always a fun read, and this one had the added complication of a nasty ex of Craig’s who had mentally abused him and made him feel “less than” because of the dyslexia. When these two meet, the heat level is off the charts, and when Craig agrees to participate in Jamie’s research study, their continued meetings ramp up the heat. In the end though, it is also very much about the feels, and the romance moves at good pace. Characters from the previous book, Oliver and Jackson, featured prominently, and there is a strong ‘found family’ element to this series, which I love.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After meeting him in the previous book I was excited for Jamie to find his own love and he found that with Craig. They share an instant attraction that quickly turns passionate but then switches into a slow burn as they take a step back to get to know each other and deal with their horrible exes.
Their story was captivating, sweet and low-angst, with heat. Additionally, since Jamie lives with them, we also get to see more of Oli, Jackson and their two adorable girls from the previous book, which was wonderful. I highly recommend this book and also the short bonus novella linked at the end.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

With great cameos from the others in the series, Scott and Locey deliver another sensational read and one that you need to dive right into...

This book starts with a bang and then settles down in to a simmer with a dose of nasty exes, dyslexia rep and a good rounding of hockey and friends. Despite dealing with some heavy issues, I found this book lighter and sweeter than some of the previous LA Storm books and it was a refreshing change to see these two men grow together and overcome their pasts and make plans for the future!

I truly enjoyed watching Craig and Jamie emerge from their pasts and find a sweet and wonderful future together.

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craig and Jaime are opposites that have a lot in common. They start out with meeting and falling in bed together, then separating. Then coming back together. They are both dealing with residual feelings from bad ex's and it clouds them at times. Being supportive helps them work things out. This is a really good romance. It is the fourth book of the series and best read in order but can also be read as a standalone. The authors write seamlessly so that I never could tell anything different throughout the book. The chemistry between Craig and Jaime is good. I liked that the characters from the previous books make an appearance here. Definitely recommend this book and series.

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the reason I enjoyed this book so much is that it focuses on Jamie, underemployed academic. Since this series is about members of a supposed professional hockey team, his counterpart is Craig, dyslexic hockey player. The book does a good job of balancing describing the men's work lives with the entertaining developing relationship between them. There are days (years) when I want to read a story with a guaranteed happily ever after for two deserving people and RJ always delivers!

[Kathy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5
This is the fourth book in the LA Storm hockey series. This was such a wonderful story. I love when the authors allow us to see the continuation of previous characters in the series and this one really did that. This to me was a surprise pairing and it worked so seamlessly. The characters were spot on and the pace made it really hard to put down. This entire series has been wonderful and I would recommend all the books in the series.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie and Craig each face personal challenges but work through them to build a beautiful relationship. Their endearing qualities make their story compelling and engaging, leading to a satisfying read. This low-angst book by RJ combines emotional depth with humor, kindness, and sweetness, creating a heartwarming and easy-to-read experience. Spiral is the fourth book in the L.A. Storm series and I enjoyed it from start to finish.

[kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiral is such a great addition to the L.A. Storm series! It is impossible to not fall in love with Jamie and Craig. Both men have experienced pain in the past and are understandably wary of a new relationship.
I loved the connection and chemistry between these two. Right off the bat there is such heat!
They learn to trust and respect each other as they explore what is growing between them.
Even with a little ex drama they still achieve their well deserved HEA!

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, I looooved the MCs in this book so much! Jamie and his prickly temper, Craig and his insecurities, and the combination of both that made for a great entertaining read. The characters felt genuine, relatable and made me smile, sigh and swoon more than once.
RJ Scott did a great job writing a contemporary story that just worked in every aspect while still bringing in the romance - fairytale vibe to it. I think this couple might be my new favorite in the series!